A book trailer video is similar to a movie trailer you would see at your local theatre. However, you’d most likely see the book trailer online, and not at the theater. Some trailers get broadcast on television, but this is the exception and not the rule.
To successfully create a book trailer, ask yourself these questions.
1. Do you know your book, audience, and genre?
If you are the author and you are producing the trailer, you are ahead of the curve. However, if you are either the author or the producer—but not both—take time to sit down with your counterpart and discuss ideas.
If you are the author, make sure your producer reads your book and understands who you are trying to reach.
We all have our tastes when it comes to videos. Make sure you are in the same ballpark before beginning to produce your trailer.
2. Do you know what other trailers exist for similar books—and have you watched them?
One excellent way to encourage the conversation between author and producer (presuming they are different people) is to watch trailers for similar books in the genre.
No matter how they are developed, trailers exist to introduce a potential reader to the book and encourage a purchase. But not all trailers communicate this message in the same way.
For example, a trailer for a children’s book is going to be different than a trailer for a horror novel. When you watch the trailers, pay attention to the elements in the trailer—clips, music, still pictures, and so on—so you can start visualizing how your own trailer should look.
3. If you are the producer, do you know what tool you will use to create the trailer?
Different producers use different devices. Some use iMovies for Apple computers, while others (such as myself) have used Microsoft Windows Movie Maker.
There are plenty of tools from which to choose. Do your homework and find the best tool for you.
In the second part of this article, I’ll discuss where to find the music and photos to enhance your trailer.
